Disk drive suspension

Abstract

To provide a suspension for disk device capable of achieving excellent flexure rigidity while suppressing vibration of a flexure effectively.SOLUTION: A suspension 10 for a disk device includes a load beam 21, a flexure 22 that is superimposed on the load beam and has a tongue 45 on which a slider 11 is mounted and an outrigger 51 connected to the tongue 45, and a first damper material 80 pasted on the load beam 21 and the outrigger 51. The first damper material 80 has a single layer of viscoelastic body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suspension for a disk drive used in a hard disk drive or the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Hard disk drives (HDDs) are used in information processing devices such as personal computers. Hard disk drives include a magnetic disk that rotates around a spindle and a carriage that rotates around a pivot shaft. The carriage has an actuator arm and rotates around the pivot shaft in the track width direction of the disk by a positioning motor such as a voice coil motor.

[0003] A disk drive suspension (hereinafter simply referred to as the suspension) is attached to the actuator arm. The suspension includes a load beam and a flexure placed on top of the load beam. A slider constituting a magnetic head is mounted on a gimbal portion formed near the tip of the flexure. The slider is equipped with an element (transducer) for accessing the disk, such as reading or writing data. The load beam, flexure, and slider constitute a head gimbal assembly.

[0004] The gimbal portion includes a tongue on which the slider is mounted and a pair of outriggers formed on both sides of the tongue. These outriggers each have a shape that protrudes outward from both sides of the flexure. The vicinities of both ends of each outrigger in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the load beam by, for example, laser welding. Each outrigger can bend like a spring in the thickness direction, and plays an important role in ensuring the gimbal movement of the tongue.

[0005] To accommodate the increasing recording density of disks, it is necessary to further miniaturize the head gimbal assembly and enable the slider to be positioned with higher precision relative to the disk's recording surface. To achieve this, it is necessary to minimize flexure vibration while ensuring the gimbal motion required of the head gimbal assembly. For example, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it has been proposed to provide a damper material in part of the suspension to suppress flexure vibration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,967,821 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-221726 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-86630 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Increasing the area on the outrigger where the damper material is attached is expected to improve the vibration suppression effect. However, increasing this area also significantly changes the rigidity of the flexure, which is important for gimbal movement. In light of this, it is desirable to locally attach the damper material to areas of the outrigger that are effective in suppressing vibration. However, typical damper materials have a layered structure of a soft viscoelastic layer and a hard constraint plate (constraint layer), and because the constraint plate is difficult to deform, the areas where the damper material can be attached are limited. As a result, it can be difficult to achieve both flexure vibration suppression and good rigidity.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disk drive suspension that can effectively suppress vibrations of the flexure and achieve good flexure rigidity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A disk drive suspension according to one embodiment includes a load beam, a tongue on which a slider is mounted, an outrigger connected to the tongue, a flexure overlaid on the load beam, and a damper material attached to the load beam and the outrigger, the damper material having a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic body.

[0010] The load beam has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The outrigger has a third surface at least partially facing the second surface, a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and a side surface connecting the third surface and the fourth surface. For example, the damper material is attached to each of the second surface, the fourth surface, and the side surface.

[0011] The second surface may include a curved surface formed on an edge of the load beam, and in this case, the damper material may be attached to the curved surface.

[0012] The damper material may be provided at a position where the outrigger and the edge portion intersect in a plan view.

[0013] The flexure may have a tip end fixed to the load beam, and the damper material may be attached to the outrigger and the tip end, and may also be attached to a region of the load beam located between the outrigger and the tip end in a plan view.

[0014] The damper material has a fifth surface attached to the load beam and the outrigger, and a sixth surface opposite the fifth surface. The sixth surface may be exposed to the atmosphere surrounding the damper material.

[0015] A gap may be formed between the outrigger and the load beam in at least a portion of an area where the load beam, the outrigger, and the damper material overlap.

[0016] The damper material may be attached to each of the first surface and the third surface. In this case, the load beam may have an opening penetrating between the first surface and the second surface, and the damper material may be attached to the third surface through the opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a disk drive suspension that can effectively suppress vibrations of the flexure and achieve good flexure rigidity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a disk device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the disk device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the suspension according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the tip end side of the suspension according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the slider side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the vicinity of the tip end of the suspension according to the first embodiment, as viewed from the slider side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension taken along line F6-F6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension taken along line F7-F7 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suspension according to a comparative example. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the difference in vibration characteristics depending on whether or not a damper material is present. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the difference in vibration characteristics between the presence and absence of a restraining plate in a damper material. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the suspension according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension taken along line F12-F12 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a suspension 10 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suspension according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a disk drive (HDD) 1. This disk drive 1 has a case 2, multiple disks 4 that rotate around a spindle 3, a carriage 6 that can rotate around a pivot shaft 5, and a positioning motor (voice coil motor) 7 for driving the carriage 6. The case 2 is sealed with a lid (not shown).

[0020] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the disk device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a carriage 6 is provided with a plurality of arms (carriage arms) 8. A suspension 10 is attached to the tip of each arm 8. A slider 11 constituting a magnetic head is provided at the tip of each suspension 10. When the disk 4 rotates at high speed, air flows in between the disk 4 and the slider 11, forming an air bearing.

[0021] When the carriage 6 is rotated by the positioning motor 7 , the suspension 10 moves in the radial direction of the disk 4 , and the slider 11 moves to the desired track on the disk 4 .

[0022] 3 is a schematic perspective view of a suspension 10 according to this embodiment. The suspension 10 includes a base plate 20 fixed to an arm 8 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the carriage 6, a load beam 21, and a flexure 22. The base plate 20 is formed with a boss 20a that is inserted into a hole 8a (shown in FIG. 2) formed in the arm 8. The flexure 22 is disposed along the load beam 21.

[0023] In the following description, the length direction X, width direction Y, and thickness direction Z of the suspension 10, load beam 21, and flexure 22 are defined as shown in Figure 3. In addition, a sway direction S is defined as shown by an arc-shaped arrow near the tip 21a of the load beam 21.

[0024] 4 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the tip end of the suspension 10 as viewed from the slider 11 side. The load beam 21 has a lower surface BF1 (first surface) shown in FIG. 3 and an upper surface UF1 (second surface) shown in FIG. 4. The upper surface UF1 is a surface on which the flexure 22 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 3, a damper member 25 may be provided on the lower surface BF1.

[0025] Furthermore, the load beam 21 has a pair of edges ED1 and ED2. The edges ED1 and ED2 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y. The distance between the edges ED1 and ED2 in the width direction Y decreases as the load beam 21 approaches the tip 21a of the load beam 21. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the edges ED1 and ED2 of the load beam 21 are bent so as to protrude toward the lower surface BF1 (so that the lower surface BF1 faces inward).

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, an element 28, such as an MR element, capable of converting magnetic signals to electric signals is provided at the tip of the slider 11, which constitutes the magnetic head. These elements 28 are used to access the disk 4, such as to write or read data. The slider 11, load beam 21, and flexure 22 constitute a head gimbal assembly.

[0027] The flexure 22 has a metal base 40 made of a thin stainless steel plate and a pair of wiring portions 41 arranged along the metal base 40. The pair of wiring portions 41 are aligned in the width direction Y and extend in the length direction X while bending. The thickness of the metal base 40 is smaller than that of the load beam 21. The thickness of the metal base 40 is preferably 12 to 25 μm, and is 20 μm in one example. The thickness of the load beam 21 is, for example, 30 μm. A portion of the wiring portion 41 is electrically connected to the element 28 of the slider 11 via a terminal 42 for the slider 11.

[0028] 5 is a schematic plan view of the vicinity of the tip end of the suspension 10 as viewed from the slider 11 side. The flexure 22 has a tongue 45, a first outrigger 51, and a second outrigger 52. The slider 11 is mounted on the tongue 45. The first outrigger 51 and the second outrigger 52 are disposed on both outer sides of the tongue 45 in the width direction Y.

[0029] The first outrigger 51 and the second outrigger 52 have a shape that protrudes outward on both sides in the width direction of the tongue 45. The tongue 45, the first outrigger 51, and the second outrigger 52 are all part of the metal base 40, and the outlines of each are formed by, for example, etching.

[0030] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10 taken along line F6-F6 in FIG. 5. The load beam 21 has a dimple 55 protruding toward the tongue 45. A tip 55a of the dimple 55 is in contact with the tongue 45. The tongue 45 swings around the tip 55a of the dimple 55, thereby achieving the desired gimbal motion. The tongue 45, first outrigger 51, second outrigger 52, dimple 55, and the like form a gimbal portion 56.

[0031] 4 and 5, the first outrigger 51 is disposed on the outside of one side of the tongue 45 and extends in the length direction X. The second outrigger 52 is disposed on the outside of the other side of the tongue 45 and extends in the length direction X.

[0032] The first outrigger 51 has a first base end portion 51a, a first base end arm 51b, a first distal arm 51c, and a first connecting portion 51d. The first base end portion 51a is fixed to the load beam 21 by a fixing portion 61. The first base end arm 51b extends from the first base end portion 51a toward one side of the tongue 45. One end of the first distal arm 51c is connected to the first base end arm 51b, and the other end is connected to the distal end portion 22a of the flexure 22. The first connecting portion 51d connects the distal end of the first base end arm 51b to one side of the tongue 45. The distal end portion 22a is fixed near the distal end of the load beam 21 by a fixing portion 62. The fixing portions 61 and 62 are formed by, for example, laser spot welding or the like.

[0033] The first base end arm 51b has a first bent portion 51e. Between the first base end portion 51a and the first bent portion 51e, the first base end arm 51b extends in a direction approaching the center C in the width direction Y of the suspension 10. On the other hand, between the first bent portion 51e and the first distal arm 51c, the first base end arm 51b extends in a direction away from the center C.

[0034] The second outrigger 52 has a shape similar to that of the first outrigger 51. That is, the second outrigger 52 has a second base end portion 52a, a second base end arm 52b, a second distal arm 52c, a second connecting portion 52d, and a second bent portion 52e. The second base end portion 52a is fixed to the load beam 21 by a fixing portion 63 formed by, for example, laser spot welding or the like.

[0035] As described above, both ends of the first outrigger 51 in the longitudinal direction X are supported by the fixed portions 61, 62. Furthermore, both ends of the second outrigger 52 in the longitudinal direction X are supported by the fixed portions 62, 63. This allows the portion of the first outrigger 51 located between the fixed portions 61, 62 and the portion of the second outrigger 52 located between the fixed portions 62, 63 to bend in the thickness direction Z. In this way, the tongue 45 is elastically supported by the first outrigger 51 and the second outrigger 52 and can swing around the dimple 55 as a fulcrum.

[0036] A first microactuator element 65 and a second microactuator element 66 are mounted on the gimbal portion 56. These microactuator elements 65, 66 are each made of a piezoelectric material and are arranged on both sides of the slider 11 in the width direction Y. Ends 65a, 65b of the first microactuator element 65 are fixed to actuator support portions 70, 71 of the tongue 45, respectively. Ends 66a, 66b of the second microactuator element 66 are fixed to actuator support portions 72, 73 of the tongue 45, respectively.

[0037] The microactuator elements 65, 66 have the function of rotating the tongue 45 in the sway direction S (shown in FIG. 3). In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, a limiter member 75 that suppresses excessive swing of the tongue 45 is provided between one side of the tongue 45 and the first outrigger 51. A limiter member 76 is also provided between the other side of the tongue 45 and the second outrigger 52.

[0038] 4 and 5, the suspension 10 includes a first damper material 80 and a second damper material 90 that suppress vibration of the flexure 22. The first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are attached to the load beam 21 and the flexure 22.

[0039] Specifically, the first damper material 80 is attached in a range including the position where the first base-end arm 51b intersects with the edge ED1 in a plan view, and the second damper material 90 is attached in a range including the position where the second base-end arm 52b intersects with the edge ED2 in a plan view.

[0040] The first damper material 80 is located between the first bent portion 51e and the first distal arm 51c in the longitudinal direction X. The second damper material 90 is located between the second bent portion 52e and the second distal arm 52c in the longitudinal direction X.

[0041] 5, the first damper material 80 covers not only the portion of the first base end arm 51b facing the load beam 21 but also the portion protruding from the edge ED1 in plan view (the portion not facing the load beam 21). Similarly, the second damper material 90 covers not only the portion of the second base end arm 52b facing the load beam 21 but also the portion protruding from the edge ED2 in plan view.

[0042] The pair of wiring portions 41 each have a protrusion 41a that protrudes toward the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90. The protrusion 41a and the damper materials 80, 90 are aligned in the width direction Y and spaced apart from each other.

[0043] 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10 taken along line F7-F7 in FIG. 5. The first outrigger 51 (first base end arm 51b) has a lower surface BF2 (third surface) at least a portion of which faces the upper surface UF1 of the load beam 21, an upper surface UF2 (fourth surface) opposite the lower surface BF2, and a pair of side surfaces SF1 and SF2 connecting the lower surface BF2 and the upper surface UF2. The first damper material 80 has a lower surface BF3 (fifth surface) which faces the upper surfaces UF1 and UF2, and an upper surface UF3 (sixth surface) opposite the lower surface BF3.

[0044] The upper surface UF1 includes a flat surface FT that covers most of the load beam 21 and a curved surface CV that is formed by bending the edge portion ED1. As shown in the cross section of Fig. 7, a gap G is formed between the load beam 21 and the first base arm 51b in at least a part of the region where the load beam 21, the first outrigger 51, and the first damper material 80 overlap in the thickness direction Z. In this region, the gap G may not be formed and the load beam 21 and the first base arm 51b may be in contact with each other entirely.

[0045] The first damper material 80 has a single-layer structure made of a viscoelastic material. That is, the first damper material 80 in this embodiment does not have a so-called constraining plate. As the viscoelastic material, a material that has adhesiveness and can exhibit viscous resistance when deformed, such as a polymer material such as an acrylic resin, can be used.

[0046] 7, the thickness of the first damper material 80 is smaller than the thickness of the load beam 21 and the thickness of the first base-end arm 51b. This improves the ability of the first damper material 80 to conform to the portion to which it is attached. However, from the viewpoint of obtaining a good vibration suppression effect, it is preferable that the thickness of the first damper material 80 be 10 μm or more. The thickness of the first damper material 80 may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the load beam 21 and the thickness of the first base-end arm 51b.

[0047] The adhesiveness of the lower surface BF3 of the first damper material 80 causes it to adhere to the upper surface UF1 of the load beam 21 and the upper surface UF2 of the first base end arm 51b. Furthermore, the lower surface BF3 adheres to at least one of the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 of the first base end arm 51b, and in the example of FIG. 7, both of them.

[0048] More specifically, the first damper material 80 has a first portion P1 that adheres to the flat surface FT, a second portion P2 that adheres to the curved surface CV, a third portion P3 that adheres to the first base end arm 51b, a fourth portion P4 that adheres to the side surface SF1, and a fifth portion P5 that adheres to the side surface SF2.

[0049] 7, the third portion P3 is located between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2. Furthermore, the fourth portion P4 is located between the first portion P1 and the third portion P3, and the fifth portion P5 is located between the second portion P2 and the third portion P3. In the example of FIG. 7, the lower surface BF3 is exposed to the gap G in parts of the fourth portion P4 and the fifth portion P5.

[0050] The upper surface UF3 of the first damper material 80 is not in contact with other members. In other words, the entire upper surface UF3 is exposed to the atmosphere surrounding the first damper material 80. It can also be said that the entire upper surface UF3 is in contact with the air layer.

[0051] 7, the lower surface BF2 of the first base end arm 51b is not in contact with the first damper material 80. However, the first damper material 80 may be attached to a portion of the lower surface BF2. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the first damper material 80 is also attached to a portion of the first base end arm 51b that protrudes outward from the edge portion ED1, the first damper material 80 may be attached to the lower surface BF2 in that portion.

[0052] The cross-sectional structure including the second damper material 90 and the second outrigger 52 (second base end arm 52b) is similar to the cross-sectional structure including the first damper material 80 and the first outrigger 51 shown in Fig. 7. In other words, the second damper material 90 also has a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic body.

[0053] The operation of the suspension 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. In the suspension 10 according to this embodiment, the first outrigger 51 and the second outrigger 52 are attached to the load beam 21 by a first damper material 80 and a second damper material 90, respectively. When energy that vibrates the flexure 22 is input from the outside, the vibration energy is transmitted to the damper materials 80 and 90. At this time, the damper materials 80 and 90, which are viscoelastic bodies, deform, generating internal resistance due to friction between the molecules that make up the viscoelastic body. As a result, the vibration energy is converted into thermal energy, which can suppress the vibration of the flexure 22.

[0054] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suspension 10X according to a comparative example, which includes the load beam 21, the first outrigger 51 (first base end arm 51b), and the damper material 80X, similar to FIG.

[0055] In the suspension 10X, the damper material 80X has a viscoelastic body 81 and a restraint plate 82. The viscoelastic body 81 is attached to an upper surface UF1 of the load beam 21 and an upper surface UF2 of the first outrigger 51. The restraint plate 82 is made of a material harder than the viscoelastic body 81, and covers the viscoelastic body 81 entirely.

[0056] The damper material 80X equipped with the restraining plate 82 in this manner is less likely to deform and is more difficult to bend finely than the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 according to this embodiment. This makes it difficult to cover the side surfaces SF1 and SF2 with the damper material 80X. It is also difficult for the damper material 80X to adhere to uneven portions such as curved surfaces CV.

[0057] In contrast, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 in this embodiment have a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic body, and therefore exhibit high deformability. Therefore, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 can be favorably attached to the side surfaces SF1, SF2 and the curved surfaces CV of the edge portions ED1, ED2 of the first outrigger 51 and the second outrigger 52. Attaching the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 to a wide range of the side surfaces SF1, SF2 and the curved surfaces CV enhances the effect of suppressing vibration of the flexure 22.

[0058] In this way, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 can be attached to locations with large changes in undulations, which broadens the options for attachment positions. Therefore, regardless of the undulations of the attachment position, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 can be attached to a position suitable for suppressing vibration of the flexure 22. As a result, the attachment area of ​​the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 can be minimized, and good rigidity of the flexure 22 can be achieved while effectively suppressing vibration of the flexure 22.

[0059] In this embodiment, the portions of the load beam 21 to which the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are attached play a role substantially similar to that of the restraining plate, and therefore, the effect of suppressing vibration of the flexure 22 can be obtained that is comparable to that of the suspension 10X according to the comparative example.

[0060] The upper surfaces of the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. These exposed upper surfaces can attract particles inside the case 2 when the suspension 10 is mounted on the disk device 1. This reduces defects in the disk device 1 caused by particles, improving the reliability of the disk device 1.

[0061] The inventors have verified the effect of the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 in suppressing vibration of the flexure 22. The structure of the suspension 10 that was the subject of this verification is the same as that shown in FIGS.

[0062] 9 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the difference in vibration characteristics depending on whether or not the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are present. The horizontal axis of the graph is frequency [kHz], and the vertical axis is gain [dB]. The thin lines in the graph represent the measurement results for several samples of suspensions that do not include the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90. The thick lines in the graph represent the measurement results for several samples of suspensions 10 that include the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90.

[0063] 9, the gain of the suspension without the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 fluctuates greatly around 14 kHz, and there is also a large variation between samples. In contrast, the gain of the suspension 10 with the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 is generally stable, and there is little variation between samples. This shows that providing the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 can effectively suppress vibration of the flexure 22.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of evaluating the difference in vibration characteristics depending on whether or not a constraining plate is used. The horizontal axis of the graph is frequency [kHz], and the vertical axis is gain [dB]. The thin lines in the graph represent the measurement results for several samples of suspensions equipped with first and second damper materials including constraining plates, such as damper material 80X shown in FIG. 8. The thick lines in the graph represent the measurement results for several samples of suspensions 10 equipped with first and second damper materials 80 and 90 that do not include constraining plates.

[0065] Based on the graph in Figure 10, it can be seen that the gain is generally stable whether the damper material includes a constraining plate or not. It can also be seen that when the damper material does not include a constraining plate, vibrations in the 10 kHz to 12 kHz range are more effectively suppressed than when the damper material includes a constraining plate.

[0066] From the above verification, it has been confirmed that the suspension 10 provided with the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 as in this embodiment exhibits a good effect of suppressing vibration of the flexure 22.

[0067] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the positions at which the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are attached are different from those in the first embodiment. Description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the suspension 10 according to the second embodiment. In the example of Fig. 11, the first damper material 80 is attached to the first distal arm 51c, the distal end 22a of the flexure 22, and a region A1 of the load beam 21 that is located between the first distal arm 51c and the distal end 22a in a plan view. The second damper material 90 is attached to the second distal arm 52c, the distal end 22a, and a region A2 of the load beam 21 that is located between the second distal arm 52c and the distal end 22a in a plan view.

[0069] Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10 taken along line F12-F12 in Fig. 11. The first outrigger 51 (first distal arm 51c) has a lower surface BF21 at least partially facing the upper surface UF1 of the load beam 21, an upper surface UF21 opposite the lower surface BF21, and a side surface SF21 connecting the lower surface BF21 and the upper surface UF21. The distal end portion 22a has a lower surface BF22 at least partially facing the upper surface UF1 of the load beam 21, an upper surface UF22 opposite the lower surface BF22, and a side surface SF22 connecting the lower surface BF22 and the upper surface UF22. The side surfaces SF21 and SF22 face each other.

[0070] 12, both of the lower surfaces BF21 and BF22 are in contact with the upper surface UF1. As another example, a gap may be formed between at least one of the lower surfaces BF21 and BF22 and the upper surface UF1.

[0071] The lower surface BF3 of the first damper material 80 is attached to the upper surfaces UF21 and UF22, and is also attached to the upper surface UF1 in the region A1. Furthermore, the lower surface BF3 is attached to at least one of the side surfaces SF21 and SF22, and both in the example of FIG.

[0072] More specifically, the first damper material 80 has a first portion P21 attached to the upper surface UF1, a second portion P22 attached to the upper surface UF21, a third portion P23 attached to the upper surface UF22, a fourth portion P24 attached to the side surface SF21, and a fifth portion P25 attached to the side surface SF22. In the example of Fig. 12, the first portion P21 is located between the second portion P22 and the third portion P23. The upper surface UF3 of the first damper material 80 is not in contact with other members, as in the first embodiment.

[0073] The cross-sectional structure including the second damper material 90 and the second outrigger 52 (second distal arm 52c) is similar to the cross-sectional structure including the first damper material 80 and the first outrigger 51 shown in Fig. 12. In the example of Fig. 11, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are spaced apart, but these damper materials 80, 90 may also be configured from a single continuous viscoelastic body.

[0074] If a damper material including a viscoelastic body and a constraint plate is provided to cover a small gap (slit in flexure 22) such as between tip end portion 22a and first distal arm 51c or between tip end portion 22a and second distal arm 52c, the viscoelastic body may not adhere to upper surface UF1 of load beam 21 in regions A1 and A2 because the damper material is difficult to deform. In contrast, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90, which have a single-layer structure of viscoelastic body as in this embodiment, can be favorably attached to upper surface UF1 and side surfaces SF21 and SF22 in regions A1 and A2.

[0075] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the manner in which the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are attached. Descriptions of the same configurations as the above-described embodiments will be omitted.

[0076] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a suspension 10 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the load beam 21 has a first opening AP1 and a second opening AP2. The first damper material 80 is attached to the lower surface BF1 of the load beam 21 and overlaps the first opening AP1. The second damper material 90 is attached to the lower surface BF1 and overlaps the second opening AP2.

[0077] 13, the first damper material 80 completely blocks the first opening AP1, and the second damper material 90 completely blocks the second opening AP2. As another example, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 may block only a portion of the first opening AP1 and the second opening AP2, respectively.

[0078] 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the suspension 10 in a region including the first damper material 80 and the first opening AP1. The first opening AP1 penetrates between the lower surface BF1 and the upper surface UF1. The load beam 21 has a pair of side surfaces SF31 and SF32 facing each other at the first opening AP.

[0079] 14, a part (for example, the first bent portion 51e) of the first base end arm 51b of the first outrigger 51 overlaps with the first opening AP1. The first base end arm 51b crosses the first opening AP1 in the longitudinal direction X, for example.

[0080] The upper surface UF3 of the first damper material 80 is adhesively attached to the lower surface BF1 of the load beam 21 and the lower surface BF2 of the first base-end arm 51b. Furthermore, the upper surface UF3 is attached to at least one of the side surfaces SF31 and SF32, and in the example of FIG. 14, both of them.

[0081] More specifically, the first damper material 80 has a first portion P31 and a second portion P32 attached to the lower surface BF1, a third portion P33 attached to the lower surface BF2, a fourth portion P34 attached to the side surface SF31, and a fifth portion P35 attached to the side surface SF32. Furthermore, the first damper material 80 has a sixth portion P36 and a seventh portion P37 on the lower surface BF3 and the upper surface UF3 that are not attached to any member.

[0082] 14, the third portion P33 is located between the first portion P31 and the second portion P32, the fourth portion P34 is located between the first portion P31 and the third portion P33, and the fifth portion P35 is located between the second portion P32 and the third portion P33. Furthermore, the sixth portion P36 is located between the third portion P33 and the fourth portion P34, and the seventh portion P37 is located between the third portion P33 and the fifth portion P35.

[0083] The lower surface BF3 of the first damper material 80 is not in contact with other members. In other words, the entire lower surface BF3 is exposed to the atmosphere surrounding the first damper material 80. It can also be said that the entire lower surface BF3 is in contact with the air layer.

[0084] The cross-sectional structure including the second damper material 90, the second opening AP2, and the second outrigger 52 (second base-end arm 52b) is similar to the cross-sectional structure including the first damper material 80, the first opening AP1, and the first outrigger 51 shown in Fig. 14. In the example of Fig. 13, the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 are spaced apart, but these damper materials 80, 90 may also be configured from a single continuous viscoelastic body.

[0085] If a damper material including a viscoelastic body and a restraint plate were to be attached to first base-end arm 51b and second base-end arm 52b through first opening AP1 and second opening AP2, the viscoelastic body may not adhere to base-end arms 51b, 52b because the damper material is difficult to deform. In contrast, first damper material 80 and second damper material 90, which have a single-layer structure of viscoelastic body as in this embodiment, exhibit high deformability and can be favorably attached to first base-end arm 51b and second base-end arm 52b through first opening AP1 and second opening AP2.

[0086] 14 shows an example in which the first damper material 80 is directly attached to the first base end arm 51b, but a spacer may be disposed between the first damper material 80 and the first base end arm 51b. Similarly, a spacer may be disposed between the second damper material 90 and the second base end arm 52b. With this structure, the amount of deformation of the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 is reduced, making it possible to more effectively attach the damper materials 80, 90 to the first base end arm 51b and the second base end arm 52b, respectively.

[0087] Alternatively, the first base-end arm 51b may be bent in the thickness direction Z near the first opening AP1, with a portion of the first base-end arm 51b positioned inside the first opening AP1. Similarly, the second base-end arm 52b may be bent in the thickness direction Z near the second opening AP2, with a portion of the second base-end arm 52b positioned inside the second opening AP2. Even with this structure, the amount of deformation of the first damper material 80 and the second damper material 90 is reduced, making it possible to more effectively attach the damper materials 80, 90 to the first base-end arm 51b and the second base-end arm 52b, respectively.

[0088] When implementing the invention disclosed in each of the above embodiments, various changes can be made to the specific aspects of each element constituting the disk drive suspension, including the specific aspects of the shape of the load beam and flexure, the arrangement of the first damper material and the second damper material, etc. For example, a suspension that does not have microactuator elements 65, 66 may be provided with first damper material 80 and second damper material 90 similar to those in each of the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...disk device, 10...suspension, 11...slider, 21...load beam, 22...flexure, 40...metal base, 41...wiring portion, 45...tang, 51...first outrigger, 51a...first base end portion, 51b...first base end arm, 51c...first distal end arm, 52...second outrigger, 52a...second base end portion, 52b...second base end arm, 52c...second distal end arm, 55...dimple, 56...gimbal portion, 61, 62, 63...fixing portion, 65, 66...microactuator element, 80...first damper material, 90...second damper material.

Claims

1. A load beam; a flexure having a tongue on which a slider is mounted and an outrigger connected to the tongue, the flexure being superimposed on the load beam; a damper material attached to the load beam and the outrigger, the load beam has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The outrigger has a third surface at least a portion of which faces the second surface, a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and a side surface connecting the third surface and the fourth surface, the second surface includes a curved surface formed on an edge portion of the load beam, the damper material has a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic material and is attached to each of the curved surface, the fourth surface, and the side surface. Suspension for disk drives.

2. The damper material is provided at a position where the outrigger and the edge portion intersect in a plan view.

2. The disk drive suspension according to claim 1.

3. A load beam; a flexure having a tongue on which a slider is mounted and an outrigger connected to the tongue, the flexure being superimposed on the load beam; a damper material attached to the load beam and the outrigger, the flexure has a tip portion fixed to the load beam, the damper material has a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic material, and is attached to the outrigger and the tip end portion, and is attached to a region of the load beam located between the outrigger and the tip end portion in a plan view. Suspension for disk drives.

4. the damper material has a fifth surface attached to the load beam and the outrigger, and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface, The sixth surface is exposed to the atmosphere surrounding the damper material.

4. The disk drive suspension according to claim 1.

5. a gap is formed between the outrigger and the load beam in at least a part of an area where the load beam, the outrigger, and the damper material overlap; 5. The disk drive suspension according to claim 1.

6. A load beam; a flexure having a tongue on which a slider is mounted and an outrigger connected to the tongue, the flexure being superimposed on the load beam; a damper material attached to the load beam and the outrigger, the load beam has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, The outrigger has a third surface at least a portion of which faces the second surface, and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, The damper material has a single-layer structure of a viscoelastic material and is attached to each of the first surface and the third surface. Suspension for disk drives.

7. the load beam has an opening extending between the first surface and the second surface; The damper material is attached to the third surface through the opening.

7. The disk drive suspension according to claim 6.

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